US Should 'Consider an Alliance with Russia' if It Wants to Defeat Daesh

The media outlet urged Washington to "move past its rigidly defined political identity and consider an alliance" with Moscow since counterterrorism efforts, particularly those aimed at destroying the brutal group, are more important than "momentary criticism and the potential loss of a few votes."

Daesh, which proclaimed caliphate on large territories in Iraq and Syria, largely differs from other terrorist groups in terms of its reach, resources and brutality. In recent weeks, the terrorist group carried out or served as an inspiration for attacks all over the world, including Paris, San Bernardino, Beirut, Sinai, etc., which claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent people.

Daesh, according to ValueWalk, is far from being contained and the group cannot be beaten "unless the international community presents a united front. And whether or not the United States accepts it, Russia is an integral part of the international community."

In fact, Russia is instrumental in defeating global terrorism.

"Moscow wields significant influence in the region primarily affected by ISIL. Russia has useful political connections with the Middle East as well as an impressive intelligence network: assets that can come in handy when trying to neutralize the threat of ISIL in the region," ValueWalk observed.

Russia has enhanced its image in the Middle East after launching a limited but highly efficient counterterrorism campaign in Syria at a time when Washington has been unable to offer a viable strategy on how to defeat Daesh.

Although the US-led coalition is carrying out airstrikes against militant targets, Damascus asked Moscow to assist in its fight against terrorist groups, which are trying to overthrow Bashar al-Assad and establish an Islamic state in Syria.

"The current government in Damascus considers Russia to be one of its few true allies – and while the US may not care much for the Assad administration's vote, no action in Syria (whether it is against ISIL or for the transition to a more democratic rule) can be undertaken without involving the current government," the media outlet explained.

Not many in the US seem to understand the role Russia plays in addressing the challenge of global terrorism. ValueWalk named Democratic presidential hopeful Senator Bernie Sanders, former defense secretary Chuck Hagel and Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher as the few people, who do.

The US may not be there yet, but Europe has already understood that fighting Daesh together with Russia is an essential step. French President Francois Hollande made a case for creating a grand coalition for this exact reason.